In April, 'Agigomju' Pubao Going to China... Became an Honorary Yongin Citizen

Yongin City Issues Honorary Citizenship Certificate to Pubao
'Grandpa Pubao' Kang Cheol-won, the Trainer, Receives on His Behalf
Baby Resident Registration Cards Presented to Rui and Huibao

Born in Everland in 2020 and affectionately nicknamed 'Agigomju', 'Yongin Pussi', and 'Ttunbbangi', PubaO, who received much love, has become an honorary citizen of Yongin ahead of its return to China this April.

On the 8th, Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City (right), visited Everland Panda World and presented a 'Special Honorary Citizen' certificate to Fubao, who is scheduled to be returned to China. The certificate was received on behalf of Fubao by his grandfather, zookeeper Kang Cheol-won (left).
[Photo by Yongin Special City Hall]

On the 8th, Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province announced that it had presented a special honorary citizen certificate to the panda PubaO. The certificate, specially made from bamboo sourced from Damyang, Jeollanam-do, reads, "PubaO, the 'Yongin Pussi' superstar born in Yongin in July 2020! In recognition of your contribution in bringing happiness to the entire nation and to cherish the bond with Yongin Special City, we present this certificate." The certificate was received on behalf of PubaO by his caretaker, Kang Cheol-won, known as 'Grandfather PubaO', who has quietly stood by him since birth.

PubaO is the first giant panda born through natural breeding in Korea, born in March 2016 to Lubao and Aibao, giant pandas sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a symbol of Korea-China friendship. During the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, PubaO warmly soothed the hearts of the people, living up to his nickname meaning 'treasure that brings happiness.' PubaO's popularity was also boosted by his special bond with caretaker Kang. Kang played a key role in building PubaO's nationwide popularity by regularly uploading videos on the YouTube channel 'PuppaTV' and writing an autobiography to establish a fan base for PubaO’s better life after returning to China.

The first giant panda born through natural breeding in Korea, Fubao.
[Photo by Samsung C&T Corporation]

Mayor Lee Sang-il of Yongin City, while presenting the certificate, said, "Many people will feel sad and affectionate as PubaO returns to China this April," adding, "As mayor, I will support PubaO to live a more wonderful life (pansaeng). I sincerely thank caretaker Kang Cheol-won for raising PubaO so well." He continued, "Thanks to PubaO, Yongin City has become better known and received great love. Now, PubaO’s younger siblings, the twin pandas Rui and Huibao, are also loved by many people. I believe caretaker Kang will continue to play a major role, and the related parties will take good care of the Bao family," and encouraged, "Yongin City will always step up to help whenever needed." Yongin City also created 'baby resident registration cards' for the twin pandas Rui and Huibao, born this year to Lubao and Aibao.

Yongin Special City presented a special honorary citizen certificate to Fubao and baby resident registration cards to the twin sisters Ruibao and Huibao.
[Photo by Yongin Special City Hall]

Caretaker Kang, who received the certificate that day, said, "It is truly regrettable and sad that PubaO’s departure day is near," adding, "Every hour is precious. I am grateful that the mayor visited before PubaO leaves. I will take good care of PubaO until the day he leaves and send him back safely." He also expressed gratitude, saying, "I will raise Rui and Huibao to be treasures that shine for Yongin City just like PubaO."

On the same day, Mayor Lee spent time meeting PubaO and Lubao at the indoor breeding center, guided by caretaker Kang. He also toured the 'Bao House,' an exhibition hall set up to showcase stories of the Bao family and their caretakers. Everland announced that it plans to display PubaO’s 'special honorary citizen' certificate and Rui and Huibao’s 'baby resident registration cards' at the Bao House in the future.